ITV has commissioned Bend It Like Beckham’s director and producer Gurinder Chada to produce and write a new drama series, Beecham House.
Set on the cusp of the 19th century in Delhi, the drama depicts the fortunes of the residents of Beecham House, an imposing mansion surrounded by acres of exotic woods and pristine lawns. Former soldier, John Beecham, has acquired the house to start a new life for his family and a business as a trader.
Commissioned by ITV’s Polly Hill, the series is written by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham, Viceroy’s House, Bhaji On The Beach), Paul Mayeda Berges (Viceroy’s House, The Mistress of Spices, What’s Cooking?, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging), Shahrukh Husain (In Custody) and Victor Levin (Mad Men). The six part series will be filmed in India during this autumn. Caroline Levy will act as Series Producer. FremantleMedia International will act as the global distributor for the series. Chadha’s Bend It TV is the production company.
Polly Hill said: “I am delighted to commission this epic and ambitious new drama from the brilliant Gurinder Chadha. Beecham House is set in Delhi before the British ruled India in that region, which is exciting by being less familiar to audiences. Gurinder brings a fresh take to period drama, but at its heart are wonderful characters and a compelling story that will make this a treat in the ITV schedule next year.”
Gurinder Chadha said: “Beecham House is a passion project that is driven by my commitment to telling diverse, emotionally engaging stories for mainstream international audiences. I am thrilled to be working with Polly Hill and ITV Drama who share my belief that period drama can be entertaining, ambitious and relevant to key issues of today. I am assembling a vibrant cast of British and Indian actors to play original characters that will appeal to global audiences hungry to see stories from a unique point of view.”
Details of casting and the appointment of key production personnel will be advised closer to filming commencing.
Jon Creamer
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